A couple of weeks ago, we reported that production on The Batman: Part II was paused in London as director Matt Reeves had to attend to a personal matter. Shooting was about two-thirds done, but there was still a way to go, plus reshoots.
Speculation then started that the project would be scrapped, and we all know who was saying that a two-thirds shot mega-project for a major IP would be scrapped, don’t we Outposters? DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran killed that idea stone dead with one word – “no” – at the Clayface premiere.
Now, Deadline reports that Oceans 11, Traffic, Contagion, Magic Mike, and Out of Sight director Steven Soderbergh will help finish principal photography.
Reeves is not leaving the project, and he will oversee things remotely, and they will remain in communication constantly. Reeves will then take over post-production when he can, and as the project becomes less tied to the set and locations. The studio released a statement:
“As Matt Reeves continues to attend to an ongoing family matter, Steven Soderbergh, as an admirer of Matt’s work, approached Matt and will step in, with the full support of DC Studios, to help the writer-director complete the final weeks of principal photography on The Batman Part 2. Matt and Steven will work closely together with the actors and crew to fulfil Matt’s vision of the film.”
Soderbergh also released his own statement:
“I thought Matt Reeves’ work on The Batman was stunning; it was intentional, specific, and rigorously coherent. The goal here is to work with Matt and his team to generate footage that will integrate seamlessly with what’s already been shot so Matt can properly finish his film.”
Finally, Reeves has released a statement on X, saying:
“Just to be clear, I am not leaving The Batman Part II. I am profoundly grateful to Steven for coming to my aid during this challenging time to help me finish principal photography. Thank you to all for your concern and well wishes.”
It is unclear what issue Reeves is facing, but whatever it is is serious enough to keep him away from the biggest movie of his career.
The Batman: Part II currently remains targeted at a February 18th 2028 release.
